Psoriasis Treatment Options

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes scaly, red patches of skin to develop that can persist for several weeks or months. Many individuals also experience soreness and itching during a flare-up. The experienced providers at Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery in Tulsa, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow, OK, treat psoriasis and develop custom treatment plans to manage symptoms and minimize flare-ups.

Psoriasis Causes and Triggers

The exact cause of psoriasis has not yet been identified, but heredity could be a contributing factor. Someone is more likely to develop the condition if they have family members with psoriasis.

Psoriasis symptoms flare up when there is an overproduction of skin cells. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly prompts the growth of new cells before old ones are shed. The new skin cells then pile up on the skin’s surface, resulting in thick, scaly patches of skin.

Several factors tend to trigger a flare-up of psoriasis symptoms. Avoiding these things can help prevent flare-ups. Common triggers include stress, certain medications, cold temperatures, alcohol consumption, smoking, a skin injury, or having another autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic condition in which symptoms are not always present, but do flare up at different times. Symptoms can last as little as a few weeks or as long as several months. When psoriasis does flare up, several different symptoms can develop, including:

• Dry, cracked skin that can bleed
• Red, scaly, or thickened patches of skin
• Nails develop pits or dents and might crumble or fall off
• Scaly or flaky patches on the elbows, knees, scalp, or lower back
• Skin feels itchy or sore
• Stiff or swollen joints

Treatments for Psoriasis

Psoriasis has no cure, but there are many effective treatment options for managing symptoms and reducing flare-ups. Our skilled providers will develop a custom treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and needs. At our offices in Tulsa, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow, OK, psoriasis treatment could include one or more of the following methods:

• Oral medications
• Topical medications for itching and inflammation
• Phototherapy or light therapy to help speed up healing
• Oral or injectable biologics to suppress the immune system and prevent overproduction of skin cells
• Lifestyle modifications to limit triggers

Psoriasis flare-ups can cause itching, pain, and discomfort, but some treatments can help. Schedule an appointment with a doctor to learn more about treatment options for psoriasis by contacting Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery in Tulsa, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow, OK. For Tulsa, call (918) 760-0700; Muskogee, call (918) 840-5276; and Broken Arrow, call (918) 770-4599.